My local auto factor occasionally has good deals on engine oil. Given the larger quantity needed for my Jag I'm tempted to stock up on a few 5L bottles.
Does unopened oil have a shelf-life, say for 1 or 2 years?

Thanks.

 

Read through the posts on Google. Many opinions.




https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...e+a+shelf+life

 

I've used 10W-30 conventional motor oil in my 5.9-litre V8 Dodge Ram pickup that had been sitting on one of my garage shelves for at least three years and maybe longer. No problems at all....

 

The only thing I can think of that might affect oil is ultra-violet light. This has the ability to breakdown long chain molecules. However, it needs to be able to get at the oil and most oil is in non-transparent containers, so I would think you could store oil almost indefinitely in a dark garage. However there is really no need to buy it just because its a bargain. Bargains are always coming along, and money tied up in stock is money lost for all that storage time. Far better to buy oil when you need it and not before. Of course, having up to 5 litres or so in the garage is useful for topping up, I have about this amount scattered over two viscosities to suit my fleet of cars !!

 

I had a rat around this site Used Oil Analysis - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy which I use as a guide when I want to learn about oil or have oil-ese translated.

I found two references from two major brands that set shelf life at 4 and 5 years.

 

The one thing you have to watch out for is settling of some of the additives.

The solution is to give the container a good shake before opening.

If you don't, when you pour it out you will see a dark layer at the bottom.
At that point it is too late because you have nothing left to shake with.

 

The other thing to worry about is moisture absorbing thru the container into the oil. Plastic containers are sealed but they are not “hermetic” or sealed well enough to precent moisture from passing through the cap seal or even the plastic container body.

the rate of transmission thru the container and seal Is miniscule. And doesnt cause an issue In the short run. But over a number of years it can be bad so thats why you have a shelf life of 1-2 years